Seven dwarfs from Saffron Walden stole the show at Olympia, taking the title in the 2014 British Riding Clubs SEIB Quadrille of the Year (21 December).
‘Phenomenal’ costumes
The defending champions lifted the coveted trophy for the sixth time in the competition. Saffron Walden team members Claire and Suzanne Englemann, Jane Hood and Sophie Haylock thrilled the audience with their accurate routine performed toWhistle While You Work and The Floral Dance.
Para-Dressage gold medallist Natasha Baker, who judged the final with Andrew Baldwin and Alan Hiscox, praised the club for their “phenomenal” costumes.
“They acted and kept in character throughout, maintaining a good connection with each other and with the audience,” she said.
West Oxfordshire RC rode a Red Arrows Equine Display Team to take second place, with less than two percent separating them for the winners.
Stepped up
“All four teams have really stepped up to the mark and prepared thoroughly for the challenge of Olympia this year,” said Alan Hiscox, British Horse Society national development director.
The Quadrille competition is judged in three sections. Up to to 20 marks are awarded for turnout, while a maximum of 40 marks are up for grabs for both content and performance, as well as general artistic impression.